On a thrilling Thursday night at Resorts World Las Vegas, professional poker player Ari Engel showcased his exceptional skills at the PokerStars NAPT Las Vegas $550 Cardplayer Lifestyle H.E.R.O.S. event. With a competitive field of 108 runners, Engel wasn’t just resting on his laurels; he was also busy grinding online in the ongoing WSOP Online bracelet series, which began on September 29 and features 33 bracelet events culminating on November 12.
The Online Bracelet Win
Engel’s night took an exhilarating turn as he participated in Event #29: $400 NL Hold’em Turbo. This event proved to be a crowded affair, attracting 300 players along with an additional 200 rebuys, resulting in a hefty prize pool of $180,000 distributed among the top 64 finishers. Engel’s remarkable performance allowed him to outlast the fierce competition, ultimately finishing as the last player standing and pocketing a substantial $34,200 first-place prize.
WSOP Online Event #29 Final Table Results
The final table was a testament to Engel’s poker prowess:
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ari “BacBillNat9” Engel | $34,200 |
| 2 | “TakeMyMoneey” | $25,200 |
| 3 | “Liopleurodon” | $18,468 |
| 4 | “Firebird24” | $13,500 |
| 5 | “IBackgammonU” | $9,000 |
| 6 | “Meekmills” | $6,300 |
| 7 | “ARRRR_INNNN” | $4,500 |
| 8 | “marioparty” | $3,600 |
| 9 | “Knickstape” | $2,682 |
Engel’s achievement marked his second online bracelet win, a continuation of his success in the WSOP. Previously, he captured the Online Bracelet Event #28 on October 13 with a $38,197 payout, prior to his wins in 2019 and 2021.
The Competitive Spirit Continues
Engel’s stellar performance didn’t end with his victory at the online event. He also managed to cash in the H.E.R.O.S. event, finishing in ninth place after firing six bullets throughout the tournament. His light-hearted comments regarding the number of rebuys drew humor from fellow players as well, including broadcaster Norman Chad, who noted the challenges of “beating yourself five times.”
Engel received congratulations from notable figures in the poker community, including respected players like David “ODB” Baker, Joe McKeehen, and Maria Konnikova, underscoring the camaraderie prevalent among competitive players.
A Legacy of Success
Ari Engel is renowned in the poker world, holding the title of the WSOP’s all-time Circuit ring winner with 18 rings to his name. His trajectory in poker began to skyrocket in 2019 when he secured his first bracelet, a feat he followed up with a second bracelet win in 2021. His journey epitomizes resilience and excellence in the competitive poker arena, continually attracting admiration from peers and fans alike.
Reflection on Previous Wins
For Engel, success at Resorts World is not new. He triumphed in the CardPlayer Lifestyle The Mixed Game Festival VI back in December 2022, earning a $4,858 top prize alongside a coveted $5,000 package to attend the WPT Voyage. That win was particularly rewarding as it came after finishing as a runner-up in a previous mixed game festival, illustrating his ability to rebound and claim victory.
Conclusion
Ari Engel’s recent achievements at the PokerStars NAPT and in the WSOP Online series highlight his undiminished talent and dedication to the game. As he continues to shine in various tournaments, both live and online, Engel remains a prominent figure in the poker community, inspiring up-and-coming players while etching his name deeper into poker history. His journey is a testament to hard work, strategic finesse, and an unyielding competitive spirit that resonates throughout the vibrant world of poker.
Author: Chad Holloway
PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
